275 Louisville Assembly Plant Workers Laid Off

by Gabe Bullard on July 6, 2009

275 workers at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant are being laid off today.

The workers on Ford’s Explorer line are being cut as the vehicle is taken out of production.

Local United Auto Workers Union Building Chairman Steven Stone says the union tried to prevent the layoffs, but employment will be boosted when the plant begins manufacturing a new fuel-efficient vehicle in 2011.

“They are predicting to run multiple shifts out there, so I’m sure every single one of those that are laid off will be back,” he says. “I’m sure of that.”

Stone says the laid off workers will receive some health benefits and about 70% of their salaries for one year. A Ford spokesperson did not return a phone call for comment.